The annual AFL Season Guide is ready for release, but one obvious detail has left Collingwood fans in meltdown.
AFL Record produces the yearly publication that includes a recap of the 2023 season as well as everything you need to know about next year.
With detailed player profiles, unique stats from every club, every draft pick, plus everything else you need to know, it has been the statistical bible of the AFL for over 25 years.
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However, when AFL Record tweeted its impending release, it struck a nerve with some Magpies fans.
Collingwood fans were left scratching their heads with the front cover that featured Brisbane superstar Lachie Neale given the Magpies beat the Lions in this year’s grand final.
“Runners up edition: When does the premiership edition come out?” One fan tweeted.
“Who won the flag? Doubt many will sell,” another said.
“You’d sell a lot more of these if you put a Collingwood Premiership player on the front cover,” another added.
“Why is a LOSER on the cover, Pies won the FLAG and should be on the front. AFL you’ve lost a loyal fan,” another said.
“Don’t know Lions won the premiership? The cover appeals to know (sic) one except Lions fans,” another added.
The thing these Collingwood fans failed to understand was that the previous season’s Brownlow medallist has always featured on the front cover the following year.
“It’s always been the Brownlow medallist. I’m embarrassed to be associated with some Pies fans, far out!” a fan tweeted.
“Well if there was any doubt about how cooked the Collingwood fanbase is, this puts it to bed,” another said.
“Yikes.. the comments on this are embarrassing.. surprisingly all from one club’s fanbase. The Brownlow medal winner has been on the cover for over 25 years. Get a grip,” another added.
But that explanation wasn’t enough for one fan.
“Apparently the individual award recognition supersedes the overall team victory,” they tweeted.
New AFL Record editor Ashley Browne also weighed in and delivered a message to the disgruntled Pies fans.
“To all the Collingwood fans having a meltdown, the Brownlow medallist always features on the cover. Plenty of great Magpies content once you turn the page,” he tweeted.
